Does the Depo-Provera birth control shot work well? What are the pros and cons of using it? Explore real user reviews on effectiveness, ease of use, and overall satisfaction.

Effectiveness of the Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot

The Depo-Provera birth control shot is a highly effective form of contraception, with a typical use effectiveness rate of over 99%. This means that for every 100 women using Depo-Provera correctly, less than 1 will become pregnant each year. Many users report that the shot completely stops their periods, providing effective pregnancy prevention without the hassle of daily pills or other methods.

Ease of Use of the Depo-Provera Shot

One of the main advantages of the Depo-Provera shot is its convenience. It only requires an injection every 12 weeks, eliminating the need to remember a daily pill. Users appreciate not having to worry about contraception for several months at a time. The injection itself is quick and relatively painless, making it an easy option for busy women.

User Satisfaction with Depo-Provera

Overall, user satisfaction with the Depo-Provera shot is mixed. Many women report positive experiences, citing the effective pregnancy prevention and lack of a monthly period as major benefits. However, some users experience side effects like weight gain, bone density loss, irregular bleeding, and mood changes, leading to dissatisfaction and discontinuation of the method.

Common Positive Reviews of the Depo-Provera Shot

What do users love about the Depo-Provera shot? Many appreciate the convenience of only needing an injection every 3 months. One long-term user shared, “I love not having to try to remember to take a pill and not having a period.” Others note the effectiveness, with one user saying, “It seems like the spotting has no intention of stopping. I don’t like it.”

Negative Experiences with the Depo-Provera Shot

While the Depo-Provera shot works well for some, other users report significant downsides. One user warned, “DO NOT GET THE SHOT!!! I got it a week ago and not even 7 hrs later I began experiencing stiffness and pain in the joints of my hands and arms.” Others cite side effects like weight gain, bone density loss, and severe mood changes leading them to discontinue the method.

Factors Impacting User Satisfaction

The level of satisfaction with the Depo-Provera shot seems to depend on a variety of individual factors. Users with conditions like endometriosis may find the shot effectively controls their symptoms, while others experience unpleasant side effects. The impact on weight, bone health, and mood also greatly influences overall user satisfaction with this birth control method.

How Effective is the Depo-Provera Shot?

The Depo-Provera shot is one of the most effective forms of birth control available, with a typical use effectiveness rate of over 99%. This means that for every 100 women using it correctly, less than 1 will become pregnant each year.

Is the Depo-Provera Shot Convenient to Use?

Yes, the Depo-Provera shot is very convenient. It only requires an injection every 12 weeks, eliminating the need to remember a daily pill. Users appreciate the ease of not having to worry about contraception for several months at a time.

Do Most Users Report Satisfaction with the Depo-Provera Shot?

User satisfaction with the Depo-Provera shot is mixed. While many users report positive experiences with effective pregnancy prevention and lack of a monthly period, others experience significant side effects like weight gain, bone density loss, and mood changes that lead to dissatisfaction and discontinuation of the method.

What Are the Most Common Positive Reviews of the Depo-Provera Shot?

The most common positive reviews of the Depo-Provera shot cite the convenience of only needing an injection every 3 months and the effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. Users also appreciate not having a monthly period.

What Are the Main Negative Experiences Reported with the Depo-Provera Shot?

The main negative experiences reported with the Depo-Provera shot include joint pain and stiffness, weight gain, bone density loss, and severe mood changes. Some users warn others not to get the shot due to these unpleasant side effects.

What Factors Influence User Satisfaction with the Depo-Provera Shot?

User satisfaction with the Depo-Provera shot seems to depend on individual factors. Those with conditions like endometriosis may find it effectively controls their symptoms, while others experience unwanted side effects like weight gain and mood changes that greatly impact their satisfaction with the method.

Effectiveness, Ease of Use, and Satisfaction

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Most voted positive review

9 People found this comment helpful

I got my first Depo Shot six weeks after my son was born. That was 14 years ago. I love not having to try to remember to take a pill and not having a priod. I go every three months and get my injection, I have even bought my own and had my husband do it at home. Absolutely no problems. I gained a little weight, but I am losing it slowly (5 lbs a year) I had a bone density test and I have the bone …

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DO NOT GET THE SHOT!!! I got it a week ago and not even 7 hrs later I began experiencing stiffness and pain in the joints of my hands and arms. About 1:30 in the morning I woke my husband up crying because I litterally could not move! The weight of the sheets on my upper body was causing extreme pain! I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow or roll over on to my side. It took us close to 20 minutes…

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Overall rating 2.3

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I’ve been on it for two months and have constant light spotting. It seems like the spotting has no intention of stopping. I don’t like it.

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Overall rating 3.7

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I started the depo injection due to heavy periods and insane cramping which had me bed bound every month without fail. The injection has completely taken away the heavy periods and insane cramping, which I have found other forms of contraception did not achieve. However, after about a year and 2 month of receiving the injection I have severe cystic acne, causing me pain and overall dissatisfaction with my confidence. Weight gain has been something I have also suffered with, I feel hungry all of the time and something I have never suffered with. I am going to come off the injection following these symptoms, as well as anxiety and depression, however, despite these symptoms the injection has done the job in terms of controlling my pain every month. I am now on the hunt to find something that is going to prevent heavy cramps, acne and weight gain. Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 4.3

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I started this form of birth control after the birth of my second child. I bled for the first 6 months it wasn’t all so good. And then it turned to a brown that was constantly there which smelt really bad. That was probably the last 2 months of the bleeding I mentioned. After that my periods had stopped completely and I loved that. It was so convenient and I didn’t have to worry about anything. After the first year, that’s when the weight began to come on. I gained 15 pounds after the 1st year. I loved the weight though because I was always so small. Like 115 pounds. But then it began to go all to my stomach and that’s when I knew I had to quit this. My bones were getting weak, I was weak in general, my stomach was gaining all the weight. Probably water retention I don’t know. It was like a love / hate relationship with the depo honestly. It worked for me 100% but made me miserable. After I quit it took about 4 months for my first period to return and the period wasn’t Normal it was more lighter. Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 4.7

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I have been on the shot for 1 year 5months now.. Honestly speaking when started I experienced a lot of problems.. Prolonged periods, spotting time to time..back pain even now I still experience the back pain… Above it all I can’t really complain about it no weight gain so far… It’s effective cause me and my boyfriend we no longer use protection… I love it..

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Overall rating 1.0

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I just got the stupid shot less than a month ago & I am freaking miserable!!!!! I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND this! I keep having severe pain in my pelvis, back, and stomach, like more consistent and severe than I’ve ever had!! & Once you get the shot however it’s going to effect you, you have to deal with for the next three months! I literally cry and scream in pain bc of this devil shot! Seriously would not recommend! The pain is so awful!!!

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Overall rating 2.7

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The first shot I got, I only experienced bloated stomach issues. Fast forward 3 months later for 2nd shot. I started getting the worst anxiety. And right chest pain and tightness. I tried to ignore it and just thought I needed more potassium. It got so bad and almost daily where I had to go to Er and make.sure I was ok. Thank God ,I was. Just suffering adverse side effects from it. I do not recommend it at all. No matter your age. Take the pill ,atleast you can discontinue that. I prayed for 1 month so it would leave my system. And still wonder why ! Do they have this option of birth control. It’s horrible. Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 3.7

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As a Navy wife, the clinic almost forced me to take this shot after having my daughter. My daughter is 26 years old and my healthy metabolism has still not returned! I am an athlete and active person trapped in a body that wonâ??t stop storing fat!! I have 1/2 stomach, had liposuction, and lost over 50 pounds 3 times since that shot. My metabolism has not been the same since I took that shot. Iâ??m now suffering from thyroid issues, which I believe is directly linked. Use an IUD instead of this dangerous drug. Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 1.0

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I am writing this review in hopes that at least one woman reading this will heed my advice. Do NOT take this birth control. I was on this for about 6 years( no symtpoms during, and the effectiveness did work). I was not informed through planned parenthood of the negative side effects after discontinuing this birth control. I am 1 year and 7 months from my last shot. I have had constant spotting with two full periods a month. With that being said..it is pretty much a constant feeling of either on my period, or about to start. I have insane moods swings, horrible breast tenderness, cystic acne(never even had that as a teenager), and then I started developing issues with my joints, eyelid proptosis, extreme fatigue. I just got a new diagnosis of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease… borderline Lupus. I am absolutely convinced that Depo has contributed to this. It is not in my family history, nor did any of this start until the horrible post discontinuation Depo symptoms. This medication should be taken off the market. I believe in due time it will be, but for the mean time. . Try another birth control. I have been on others before that have no affects during or after. Whatever you decide. Please research first. I don’t believe I was informed of the long term effects of this medication… other than possibility of bone mineral lose(which I took calcium/vitamin D the entirety of my treatment time). I assumed that if a provider was able to prescribe it, that they must be divulging the whole picture..I could go on for hours on the negatives of this birth control. DO NOT TAKE THIS.Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 3.7

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I have been on the shot for going on 8 months, after 3 applications almost 4 next months, thereâ??s more bad then good to say. Yes pregnancy has been prevented but I feel side defects have made me unhappy with my choice. I always had a fast metabolism my whole life, and Iâ??ve gained 20 lbs since beginning! My sex drive has completely disappeared and itâ??s taken a tole on me and my relationship. Gratefully my partner understands… Mood swings and frequent headaches. Skip a period every other month, and when I do get a cycle itâ??s irregular timing. I may get off of it as I feel itâ??s done more bad then good… Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 2.0

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I am 16 and decided to go on the depo to fix some very painful and nauseating periods, as well as contraception. I had it in January. I am still bleeding because of it today. Everything was okay for about a month, and then I got some spotting. I was fine with that as I thought it would stop after a little bit. .. boy was I wrong… the spotting turned into bleeding. I have been getting increasingly depressed and insecure due to the bleeding. Finally, my dad called the nurse and she prescribed me Tranexamic Acid and I finished a 4 day course on Monday, which did decrease the amount I was bleeding. I am now having a regular period, which the nurse said would happen. If after 7 days it doesn’t stop, I have to get a scan to make sure everything is okay. If you are in the same position as me, then try and get whatever meds you can to stop this as it is horrid and can go on for up to 2 years after the injection wears off. If you are deciding, do NOT get this injection. It is not worth the risk if it doesn’t agree with you. Good luck Read Less

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Overall rating 5.0

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I’ve been on the shot for over 6 months now and don’t have any complaints. I haven’t had a period since I started it! No cramps, no blood, pretty much the only thing I deal with is the emotional cycle, which I can deal with just fine. When I get the shot, for about a day everything tastes weird. It makes my hip/leg feel weird but I found that walking around and staying rather active the day of the shot helps a bunch! The shot is super quick and doesn’t hurt at all, at least for me with a high pain tolerance. Oh, and I’m not pregnant at all! Me and my boyfriend don’t use any other form of protection and I’ve never even had a pregnancy scare. I used to be on the pill for 3 years and I like this even better. It has increased my very low sex drive, and no longer experience vaginal dryness. Overall, everything is going well! I would definitely recommend this form of birth control. Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 1. 0

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On 9/13/19, the nurse gave me the 1st depo shot but she didn’t said nothing about the side effects. I spotted until 1 wk before thanksgiving. Then I bleed every other day. I gained a few pounds, no sex drive, vaginal dryness and had some strong cramps. On 12/29/19, I went to the ER and the doctor said Depo is making me bleed and it should stop within couple months. After that day, I bleed heavier everyday

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Overall rating 4.3

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I took depo to stop heavy periods, help with migraines, and most importantly as birth control. My period stopped around month 7 and i only cramp occasionally. My migraines have improved considerably. HOWEVER, the first 6 months I had severe anxiety and depression. Since the initial adjusting it has been great!

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Overall rating 3.7

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I have been on this drug for about two months now and the side effects are horrible I get dizzy and weak and Iâ??m already getting pain from it I have also lost my appetite instead of gaining weight I have been back and forth to the emergency room thinking I had something wrong with me but the test come back normal I have also had severe headaches and abdominal pain since I have lost my appetite I now have low b12 and stomach problems due to this I will not be taking this anymore!!

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Overall rating 3.3

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I’m 19 yrs old.On my first shot n I’ve been bleeding non stop having even more terrible mood swings having terrible body pain an acnes even more I haven’t gained any weight I so wish I did research on this before taking the shot

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I started on June 14th and I was excited because I didn’t have a cycle for six weeks. All of a sudden July 27th I started spotting until August 1st. I have been bleeding extremely heavy and passing huge clots every day since August 1st. I use several pads a day and have messed up my pants several times. I’m due for my second injection on August 29th but I will not get it again. Absolute torture and torment. I am having horrible mood swings and the constant heavy bleeding has made me extremely depressed. All that bleeding will make you want to harm yourself. It’s extremely difficult to get through this. I really hope the bleeding stops soon; like yesterday! Complete nightmare! I wouldn’t recommend the depo to anyone! Horrible! TAKE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 4.7

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I have been on the depo shot since 2014 And it’s 2019 it helps perfectly I have a high sex drive still no periods and no side effects it depends on the persons immune system and health if it works

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Overall rating 2.3

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Getting the depo shot was one of the WORST decisions I ever made. First off, forget having sex. Second, for three months, I bled heavily. Every. Single. Day. I passed several large clots and went through several pads. I couldn’t even leave the house without being fully prepared with several pads and a bathroom always nearby. The depo shot was a living HELL for me. Sure, it did what it was ultimately supposed to do. But it was not worth the pain I went through for three months. I switched to an IUD and that has been so much better for me. Please consider anything else before getting the depo shot. Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 5.0

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I was very weary of starting Depo Shot after reading many bad reviews. I have had a great experience so far! I am on my second shot, so about 5 months in. After the first month, exactly 3 weeks in, I had bleeding for 3 weeks straight and bad cramps! However after that I have not had a period since. I love how easy it is to use. My boyfriend and I do not use protection of any sort and I have not since gotten pregnant! I do have daily headaches, but I cannot be sure if it is the birth control to blame. However, most doctors do not allow this birth control for more than 2 years due to its ability to decay your bones. Overall, great experience! Don’t let the bad reviews scare you away and give it a shot! (no pun intended) Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 5.0

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I started using the depo shot in my 20’s and i loved how it was effective almost immediately after given,I didnt have to second guess myself like with pills and it lasts 3 months. I had no period for 3 months when I used it. It was my go to. My best friend decided to try it as well and she had a horrible experience. She bled the entire 3 months, gained weight, broke her out…every womans body is different. For me, this was the right b.c. I havent used it since my 20s but I now have a 4 year old and am thinking of using this again asap. Read More Read Less

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Effectiveness, Ease of Use, and Satisfaction

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Most voted positive review

13 People found this comment helpful

I have been on Depo for over ten years. I just had a BMD test and I am borderline Osteopenia. Hopefully we can stop osteoporosis before it develops. Please read your leaflets and stay on top of your medical care.

Most voted negative review

6 People found this comment helpful

If I knew about all these side effects I would have NEVER taken it to begin with! I gain 75lbs on this! I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS!

Shared reviews and ratings

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Overall rating 1. 0

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I just got the shot about a week ago and I’m already suffering the side effects. I am experiencing insomnia, mood swings, depression. I hate this thing and I will never get it again. Stay away from this type of birth control.

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Overall rating 4.0

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I’ve been on Depo since I was 16. It was recommended to me by my doctor after I was diagnosed with Dysmenorrhea. It completely stopped my periods, all ovulation and cramps. I did develop migraines but I’m not sure if it has to do with the depo. My sex drive has become relatively low. I got light acne every month when I was supposed to have a period. Otherwise, I did like my experience with it. NO pregnancy scares even without condoms. It wasn’t until now, that I’m 22, a doctor told me I should consider getting off of it as I could develop osteoporosis. I was never made aware that this is NOT a long term birth control. It’s been 15 weeks since my last shot. I started a slight cramping, 3 day period on the 14th week. I am now experiencing mood swings that play on my bipolar II, acne, a lower sex drive than I had, and fatigue. Please consider that you should not be on this for more than 2-3 years. I am slowly starting to feel better; but it almost felt like my body wasnt “mine,” in the 13th-15th week of coming off of it. I truly have no idea what my body is like without this chemical, and I never got to experience coming into womanhood naturally from a teenager. Use with consideration! Read More Read Less

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Please I’m begging any women or teens wanting to take the depo shot. Please do not take it. In 2013 my 16 yr old daughter started on this shot. A couple of days after I had to rush her to the er. I asked them if the shot could have caused the severe pain in her abdomen. They said no and she looked fine. Next shot she was doubles over in a day or 2. Er visit again. Same thing, except this time they did a colonoscopy and went down her throat. Nothing found. This went on for almost a year off and on. Probably around 5 to 8 times in one yr. Everytime I told them she’s not getting the shot the hospital staff threatened me with family services. They said it’s better to take the shot with shot affects then having a baby. They threaded to take my child away. The hospital at the end of the year said they finally felt like it may be the shot that was hurting her. 4 yrs went by after stopping the shot and she still had pain but at times it did subside but not completely. Then she had her 1st baby at the age of 20. Everything was ok. At 24 she gave birth to her 2 baby and a month after she ended up in the hospital for 3 months and was so close to death. We all Prayed and Prayed and Prayed for her. The hospital initially that it was her gall bladder so they removed it. And then on a CT scan and MRI they noticed it was actually her pancreas. She has 3 surgeries to removed 2 softball size cyst’s removed. She also has a tube down her throat and was fed by a tube going down into her stomach. A wire leading to her heart. And now she has something in the tail of her pancreas. They may remove it. The middle of her pancreas is dead. Oh yeah I forgot that part They also had children at 3-month period remove a part of her pancreas because it was dead and now another part’s dead. Imagine finally being let out of the hospital just to go home and throw up and the piece of pancreas they left in your stomach comes out your mouth smelling like death itself. All because of a stupid shot. That should be legal. On Thursday we will go to the hospital and find out if they’re going to continue with wanting to do the surgery to remove the tail of her pancreas and try to reconnect the main duct to another part of her body to help it survive and in return herself. I hate myself for not listening to my intuition. I wish I could go back and to never let my baby girl take that shot. I would have rather have spent 10 years in jail and my child taken away at least she would have been healthy. Listen to your intuition and please listen to my story because this could be your story with this medicine It’s not worth it, it’s not worth you. God BlessRead More Read Less

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Overall rating 1.0

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I was only on depo for the first 3 months. The reason for not getting my next shot is that I had been bleeding for a month. And the last week of my vaginal bleeding something came out from inside me. It was this big grey glob looking thing. turns out it was a decidual cast..
Aside from that it made me feel really weak… like my bones could just easily snap. It completely took away my sexual desire. I was tired all of the time took naps during the day and passed out on the couch at night when it was still early. Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 1.7

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I decided to try this because people that I knew were on it and they didn’t get their periods at all. I got my fist shot in the end of June and started bleeding a few days after. The bleeding never stopped and I decided to get a second one in hopes that it would be better. The bleeding got worse (filled a super plus tampon and a pad) in an hour and I became anemic and had several trips to the hospital to figure out why and they couldn’t figure anything out. The cramps were the worst I’d ever experienced and that made my nausea worse. I got medication for the nausea and more for the heavy bleeding and hemorrhaging, which helped the bleeding but it still never stopped. I only got 2 shots in six months and have been bleeding for 8 months straight. Would not recommend this form of birth control. Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 2.7

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I’ve been getting this shot 9 months. I’ve been bleeding since December 16th non stop. The pains too are so unbearable. I’ve also started loosing my hair. I wouldn’t recommend to anyone

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Overall rating 4.7

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The first time I took it I was 16 the first bc method I ever tried I bleed the entire 3 months & they told me it could take my body some time to adjust I wasn’t willing to go through another sec on my period & switched to the pill after 2 kids later I decided to give it another try as the pill was becoming too much to maintain every day this go round I started it the 5th day of my period havnt bled since I’m on my second shot the only side affects I’m having is acne on my sides and low sex drive , I’m wanting to get off after a year or 2 because I don’t want any long term side affects and I want one more kid in the future Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 1.0

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I got the shot on Dec 12 and have been bleeding every day since. Clots are huge and very painful. Thus was supposed to stop my cycle but has made it so much worse. I will not recommend this for anyone.

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Overall rating 4.0

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So I got the shot because for one I deal with something where I have all the symptoms of endometriosis but I don’t have the actual condition. For that I took different birth control pills throughout the years and it was hard to keep up with the pills. I also have issues gaining weight due to a high metabolism, my doctor recommended me to start the shot instead since I only weight 90 lbs at 5’9. So far the first few days was a little rough because of the nauseous feeling and it was minor cramping compared to what I was used to. I don’t have any complaints so far and have yet to bleed since being on itRead More Read Less

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I got the depo Oct 21 2022 and I had my period the end of that month and nov that month the end of that month but it kept going all the way to January 10th 2023 I can’t say it was a period I basically was spotting but then heavy bleeding and light bleeding it was awful I was supposed to take my second depo shot January 13th 2023 but I never went back since January 11th up to now January 14th and hopefully still counting I have not bleed at all so I’m definitely confused when I’m ovulating or if when I have a period in general so on the bright side I stop bleeding and I definitely won’t recommend the depo shot was a nightmareRead More Read Less

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As soon as I started this birth control shot, I bled the entire time(a year straight) and even months after I stopped using it. I would never recommend to anyone. It affected all aspects of my life negatively.

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Overall rating 4.3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I was on the Depo shot for 4+ years and loved many things about it, such as no period ever and never once got pregnant. But my sex drive completely died while on this method, and I gained 40+ pounds. The insane appetite was impossible to ignore and I had to get off of it 6 months ago. Now that my period has come back, I’ve lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks and eat so much less. Getting back on BC this week and switching to the Jencycla pill this time around.

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Overall rating 3.7

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Beware if you suffer from any mental illness like depression ect. I got on the shot because I’m terrible with the pills I thought the depo was amazing because I didn’t have to worry about it, but every three months I had no side effects at first besides mild cramping everything was great about two months later I am currently suffering from the worst depression I have ever experienced. All though I will never act on these thoughts I have had the most suicidal thoughts, extreme crying every night it’s been terrible and so hard for me to make it though out the day without getting extremely sad about the smallest thing. Be Careful if you get on this! Read More Read Less

1

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Overall rating 4.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I took the Depo shot for two years and it worked great at not getting pregnant and helping with heavy periods (had none). The negative side was the weight gain and anger. For the first month after getting the shot I could feel the rage flowing through my veins and it just got worse over the 2 years, so I decided to get off it. It took 5 months for my period to come back just an FYI.

1

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Overall rating 4.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I started the depo shot in September of 2021, I was on it for over a year and I noticed how extremely heavy and painful my periods were since I’ve been on it. I didn’t have a period for the first couple months but when I did get it, it was horrible and people also told me that I become moody and my sex drive is so low on this shot. I’m switching the pill now thank god. Everyone is different but this shot was hell for me.

1

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Overall rating 3.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Gained 30kgs while using the depo over time then lost all the weight a year after coming off it I always felt hungry unmotivated and tired, very effective for preventing pregnancy but the side affects are terrible I would not recommend.

1

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Overall rating 4. 3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

My doctor put me on this cause I have extremely painful cycles. I also don’t need it for the birth control reason because I don’t do it with anyone who has a penis. I had been about a month since I got the shot and while I am happy with the knowledge that I won’t have to have my cycle anymore and that I can do it without having to worry about increased estrogen, some of the effects I have been having kinda suck. I have been spotting nonstop but I think the worse part is cause of the hormonal changes, I ended up with 6 canker sores in my mouth and now I have very painful lie bumps on my tongue that make it hard to eat. I haven’t really had to worry with weight gain cause I also take adhd meds so that already cuts my appetite so it just makes me eat more like a normal person. I honestly don’t know how I feel about it right now. Thankfully if I do have any side effects I don’t like, I am just going to be on this for a year then I am starting testosterone. I know this was the best way though cause it was either this or try to continue with having to cry and throwing up in the bathroom at school because it feels like I am being stabbed. Read More Read Less

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Overall rating 4.3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I’m a 40 yr. old that has been taking Depo-Provera for about 11 years. I like it all except, that I have to go to the doctor every 3 months and I do have the shakes and anxiety, heart palpitations, etc. BUT I also had anxiety before so not exactly sure if the shot is causing it. Also I do feel tired alot. What I like is that I never have a period now. Been like that for over 5 years now. However, I am concerned about the bone loss that this is said to cause.

1

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Overall rating 1.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Don’t take this shot
I bled for 3.5 months straight on it
As soon as I got the shot within 3 days I was bleeding. At first I thought it was my period but it never stopped
I went to several doctors, tried different birth controls and even went on estrogen daily pills
The estrogen slowed the bleeding but stopped working after 2 weeks. It also made me moody and depressed
I basically bled like I was on my period for 3.5 months straight.
The last week of the bleeding was so heavy I debated going to the ER. It was a pad every hour for about 3 days
Then the bleeding finally slowed down on the 3.5 month mark. It took about a week for the spotting to end
In total almost 4 months of bleeding.
Very bad experience
Don’t take this
I discontinued use after one shot due to the side effects Read More Read Less

1

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Overall rating 2.7

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

So I got on the depo shot April 21st it’s supposed to last three months so to july 21st and all July I was spotting every single day and it’s September and I still haven’t had my period back yet while on the shot I got very depressed mood swings anxious all the time. It says people don’t get there periods back for3-6 months after getting off this shot stop taking birth control it mess up your body

1

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JES – reviews about the drug from 170 patients after using

Karina Pugacheva, February 25, 2015

Hello, girls, tell me, do they get better ???

Nadezhda Kadysheva, February 3, 2015

I took Jess for half a year, then I got married and decided to stop taking it. I got pregnant the first time after 3 months, as I stopped taking the pills.

Olga A, January 5, 2015

I drank on the 1st day M and they stopped with me so it happens I drink the first month

kseniya ustyuzhanina, December 5, 2014

Tell me girls please and me… I don’t know how many times I have ovarian apoplexy. I drank before Lendinet-20 but for a month. recovered by 5 kg. quit. then I drank trimersi, from this drug I became just some kind of psychic, I didn’t want sex at all, my chest hurt terribly. He, too, had to be abandoned. Then again this apoplexy. The doctor said that my ovaries are working very well and rapidly, and so that this apoplexy does not happen again, I just need to drink contraceptives. The doctor prescribed jess for me and said that it is not necessary to wait for menstruation and you can take them right from the first day of purchase. Is it so? I’m very afraid to get better … but I haven’t taken the drugs mentioned above for more than a month … I’m afraid if there are side effects that I had before, I just can’t stand it …

Paranoia, November 16, 2014

Girls I’m wondering what is the limit of Jess specifically in terms of the number of sexual “open” acts? It’s just that now there is more sex in life. About 5-7 acts a week, is its contraceptive effect capable of holding back such a number of “enemy spies”?)) I really don’t want children now. I don’t want to get pregnant right up to paranoia, but my friend, with regular intake and the number of sex, about 10 per week, became pregnant with pills. And already twice and with different OK… It’s somehow dumb… And yet, girls, someone who knows, describe all the same, does smoking specifically affect the contraceptive effect? Or just veins and heart? And painkillers like Ketanov and Nurofen?

Paranoia, November 16, 2014

Let me share with you girls and women my experience Jess. I have been drinking them since December 2013, there were problems with the ovaries, cysts often formed, there was one rupture, and a tear of the cyst on the ovary. After the hospital without a hormone test, Jess was prescribed for treatment. I’m 24 years old and I’ve been smoking for about 10 years, after reading the side ones I cried terribly and was just in a real hysterics, but I didn’t want to go to the hospital with another cyst .. Of course, I was scared that without analysis I was prescribed such serious things (both the gynecologist in the hospital and the district yelling out loud that everything will be ok. Went down for own calm only on “coagulability of a blood” the analysis has handed over. And I started drinking from the 1st day .. I never took them in my life, although I thought about it, I don’t want children, the cycle is acting up like, either 18 or 36 days. In general, from the first pack, I was stunned by constant weakness, drowsiness and tearfulness, my libido fell, I threw myself at people, screamed, cried from all sorts of nonsense, smearing discharge for about a month, the ovaries just fell off, it felt like they were constantly kicking me in them from my foot)) On the second pack, the daubing stopped, but the pressure began to jump and terrible migraines began, two per week stably. Problems with pressure surges to the higher side have remained now (the norm for me is pressure 110/90 now it reaches 135), I gained weight, about 5-7 kilograms, my hair and skin became better, menstruation was more regular, I didn’t notice much, the first 4 months were painless but very plentiful, now it’s almost a year, menstruation is less plentiful but very painful – the whole first day I was always at home on painkillers with terrible spasms. They come somewhere for 2-3 acts. tablet of the next pack. Basically, I’m happy with them. Now, almost a year later, I feel almost no side effects of it, my breasts have not grown, which is sad))

Vladlyonka.., October 30, 2014

Hello everyone! I am 25 years old. after the onset of M, the pain subsided, the skin of the face became much better, sometimes there are migraines, I take it almost overnight and sleep well. I don’t know about everyone, but before prescribing this drug, I was prescribed tests according to age. Blood biochemistry, an analysis for some hormones, an analysis for dysbacteriosis, and an analysis that prevents a stomach ulcer, + be sure to undergo an examination by a mammologist and do an ultrasound of the mammary glands, I did all this in the first week of taking the pills. I got to the gynecologist on the 1st day of M. with hellish pains, she was all green with white lips. In general, so far everything is fine, I will unsubscribe. Good luck girls!

Lena =), October 21, 2014

But this drug caused a lot of side effects for me: the most important thing is that it so strongly planted my stomach that it has already been 1. 5 years, and I am still being treated. About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with gastritis, but I had already forgotten about it, because I ate right. But Jess helped me remember what it means to “swallow the gut” once every 3 months, sit on cereals and yogurts. My chest hurt a lot – I couldn’t touch it, my legs and arms began to swell, pimples appeared.
The gynecologist tried to convince her that she had to endure 3 months, and everything would pass, but only a month could endure this hell.
By the way, for the last 1.5 years, after the drug was discontinued, I have had SUCH painful periods that you wouldn’t wish on your enemy – you want to climb the wall. Used to be strong, but was saved by 1-2 tablets on the first day. Now it happens that on the 4-5th day I swallow 2-3 tablets …

Like this 🙁

Elena Koltunova, September 13, 2014

Hello, can you please tell me when Jess starts working? That is, when is it safe to have sex, how long after taking the pills?

Karina Karpovich, August 6, 2014

Hello everyone.
I must say right away that if the drug is chosen correctly according to the phenotype by your gynecologist (i.e. based on your skin, physique, gave birth \ no, cycle, etc.), then it will suit you by 98%, and as you are lucky.
I’ll tell you my case. I started drinking OK on the recommendation of a doctor to calm the hormones that interfered with my breasts.
I also chose Femoden or Jess for a long time (I’m 27 years old who has not given birth, both are suitable). Everything is calculated in it, so there is no overdose of hormones.
About one and the other, the number of pluses and minuses is the same based on the opinions on the forums. I doubted for a long time, but in the end I chose Jess. Because it helps with the problem of the skin. Of all the useful properties of it, I have all of them. I use the 3rd month. M start on the 3rd invalid tablet.
I forgot about the monstrous pain during M, PMS, I didn’t gain weight, my chest seemed to remain the same size and it doesn’t hurt so much,
because the retaining fluid is removed from the chest with the drug, the libido is normal, M starts on a certain day, the skin is definitely cleaner, not so oily,
I noticed that the hair is “fresh” for 3 days (I used to wash it on the 2nd day already).
Of the minuses – I didn’t notice, only the first three days in the morning I felt a little nauseous, but after eating, everything was fine.
Tip, if you want – take the pills before bed. then there will be no side effects or will be minimized, as the gynecologist told me.
And set an alarm so you don’t forget to take your pill. If I knew what would suit me and help me in many ways, I would start drinking earlier and no longer suffer like this (see pluses).
Girls, I wish you all good luck and take care of yourself.

Buy

Jess (28 pcs)

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my life into a nightmare”

January 13, 2017

Millions of women take birth control pills, and many are quite happy. However, there are times when these pills have a detrimental effect on the psyche.

Vicky Spratt, Associate Editor of The Debrief, tells how she battled depression, anxiety and panic attacks for years while trying to find the right medication.

How it all started o s

My mother and I came to my local doctor with a complaint that my periods had not ended for three weeks. She recommended birth control pills for me – with some reservations, of course. Pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, the doctor stressed, and unprotected sex can lead to the development of cervical cancer. She was forced to say this, although I was only 14 years old, and I thought about sex last.

Image copyright VICKY SPRATT

The nurse filled out the prescription and I ended up with a three month supply of oral contraceptives. Going to the pharmacy for green blisters with tiny yellow pills I took as a kind of rite of passage into women. These were not just pills, but a sweetened concentrate of feminism, the struggle for women’s rights, medical progress.

That’s how it all started. It was 14 years ago, and since then I have been “playing drug roulette” for more than ten years, testing various drugs on myself with varying success. At the same time, I began to experience anxiety, depression, and mood swings that, with minor interruptions, haunted me all my adult life.

I had several failed romances and had to miss a year of university. All this I attributed to my shortcomings. Like, such a person I am: unadapted to life, insecure, unhappy. It wasn’t until my 20s, when I had already graduated from university and my mental and behavioral problems could no longer be attributed to “difficult adolescence”, that I first seriously thought about the side effects of pills.

Image copyright BSIP/Getty

Types of birth control pills

There are two main types of birth control pills: combination pills, which contain estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone), and “pure progestin pills” or “mini pills,” which contain only one hormone (progestin).

• Combination tablets are available under many different names. They differ in dosage and ratio of estrogen and progestin.
• Progestin tablets also vary depending on the combination of norethisterone or desogestrel in their composition.
• Many women experience individual intolerance to certain components of hormonal contraceptives.

One day after another panic attack and as a result of a sleepless night, I sat down at the computer and started looking for information on Google. The day before, I switched to new progestin contraceptives, which I was prescribed because of a migraine. As it turned out, combination pills are contraindicated for those who suffer from migraine with aura.

I typed in the name of my drug and the words “depression” and “anxiety”. The Internet immediately showed me forum threads and posts by bloggers who were suffering from the same symptoms as me.

By that time, I had already gone to my local doctor several times complaining of sudden and powerful panic attacks – this had never happened before. The topic of contraceptives never came up in the conversation, despite the fact that the attacks occurred simultaneously with the transition to new pills. Instead, I was prescribed a large dose of beta-blockers – drugs that treat anxiety – and advised to take a course of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

So I lived for about six or eight months. I can’t say for sure, because this period in my memory is very blurred and accelerated, because the feeling of anxiety and danger was constantly pulsing in my veins.

Image copyright BSIP/Getty

Learn more

The Debrief conducted a survey of 1022 female readers aged 18 to 30:

• 93% of respondents were taking birth control intravenous tablets at or before the interview .
• Of these, 45% suffered from anxiety, the other 45% from depression.
• 46% said the pills reduced their sex drive.
• 58% believe the pills have had a negative impact on their mental health.
• 4% speak of the positive effect of the tablets.

I would like to laugh when I think about it. This is how all good stories should end, right? But there was nothing funny about what I went through. It was horror. I felt fear all the time. I did not recognize myself, did not love and could not live in peace. I didn’t know what to do, who to turn to and whether this would end. In addition to anxiety, I was seized by apathy. I felt like a complete mediocrity and blamed only myself for what was happening.

Thinking I was crazy, I told my doctor that “I feel like I’m not myself, but someone else,” as if my brain was moldy and shrunken.

“Don’t you think it has something to do with my pills?” I asked. I remember the expression on her face: she was trying to keep a neutral look, but she could hardly contain her sarcasm. I explained that six of the seven types of pills I was taking had a negative effect on my well-being. The only exception was high estrogen pills, which made me feel like a superwoman for a year until they were discontinued (partly due to migraines, partly because long-term use of this drug increases the risk of thrombosis).

Having mastered herself, the doctor said categorically “no”: my problems are not related to pills.

However, I didn’t listen to her or my therapist and stopped taking progestin pills.

What happened next, I can only call a gradual and careful return of my “I”. After three to four weeks, I stopped taking beta-blockers. To this day, I always carry them with me in my purse in case I fall “off the high rock of my consciousness” again. However, for three and a half years they were never needed.

Of course, my problems didn’t disappear overnight, but the panic attacks stopped. None have happened over the years. From time to time I experience depression, anxiety and stress, but not to the extent that when I took the progestin pills. I remembered what joy is. My sex drive has returned. I stopped being afraid of everyone and everyone.

A year after the panic attacks stopped, I went on a solo trip to the other side of the world. A year earlier, this would have been unthinkable. Sitting on a distant tropical beach under a warm thunderstorm, I suddenly burst into tears of joy. What a relief it was that I became myself again, that I can control my thoughts, that I was not mistaken – I really know myself better than the doctors assured me.

I am now 28 years old and no longer take hormonal contraceptives. With the exception of mild mood swings during the day before my period, I was completely free from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.

Image copyright VICKY SPRATT

Ever since I lost myself on progestin pills and found myself again on a South Asian beach, my problem has gradually begun to attract more and more attention. In 2013, Holly Grigg Spall’s book Sweetening The Pill was published, in which the author announced the impact of hormonal contraception on women’s mental health.

In addition, an important study was conducted: Professor Øyvind Lidegaard from the University of Copenhagen found that women who take birth control pills (both combination and progestin) are more likely to be prescribed antidepressants than others. This difference was especially noticeable among young women aged 15-19 who took the combination pill.

Lidegaard was able to carry out this study because he was given access to the health records of over a million Danish women aged 15 to 34.

After reading about this study, I sent an information request to the National Health Service. As a journalist for The Debrief, I knew that many British women also suffer from such effects of pills – our readers complained to us almost daily. I asked how many women take birth control pills along with antidepressants or beta-blockers. I was told that their system does not yet allow sampling of this data.

Pills and depression

Here is what Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, President of the Royal College of Physicians says:

“Hormones have been proven to affect mood – both positively and negatively. For most women, reliable contraception and regulation of the menstrual cycle are undeniable pluses that outweigh the side effects, if any. In addition, many women claim that hormonal drugs improve their mood.

If a woman thinks that contraceptives negatively affect her mood, she should see a doctor. ”

Depression is now considered a possible but rare side effect of hormonal contraceptives, according to the instructions that come with the pills. The National Health Service website refers to “mood swings” without directly naming depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.

You don’t have to give up pills, but you don’t have to put up with the negative side effects that keep us from living.